Permanent wave hair curler



06L 1957 1.. c. HARRISON 2,808,839

PERMANENT WAVE. HAIR CURLER Filed July 21, 1953 3 i .30 33 fly. 7

INVENTOR. I

' A/oga Gibb/visa, BY i anon/vs United States Patent PERMANENT WAVE HAIR CURLER Lloyd C. Harrison, Tacoma, Wash.

Application July 21, 1953, Serial No. 369,470

Claims. (Cl. 132-40) My invention relates to a permanent wave hair curler. More particularly, it relates to a light weight hair curler having a shank member with an end portion thereof bent substantially at right angles to the shank and extending in a curve to form a hook with the point part of the hook extending in parallel spaced relation to the shank, thereby providing a scalp bearing member when applied to a lock of hair, which bearing against the scalp prevents unwinding of the hair from the shank, and a slidably split lock winding member disposed on said shank which resiliently engages the end portion of the hair lock across the entire width of the fiat strand and which winding member has a resiliently closed area or aperture in which the lock may be held captured and spread out uniformly by being wound upon the shank.

More particularly, my invention relates to a hair curler for cold wave processing which is characterized by its simplicity of construction, ease of operation in the hands of the inexpert as well as the expert, by the uniformity of curl it produces due to its ready application and control of all parts of the lock being curled and its even treatment of and pressure applied to the lock of hair due to its construction.

A fundamental requirement for a good permanent wave is that the curls must be uniformly wrapped-uniform in size of curl loops and uniform in the slight tension applied without stretching the hair, which should be carefully avoided. If hair is stretched in cold wave processing, it usually-will break.

Another requirement is that the curling device start curling close to the scalp. If the curl starts an inch or more away from the scalp, then some six weeks of the permanent wave has already been lost because the growth of the hair has had that much of a start.

A primary and fundamental object of my invention is to provide a hair curler which achieves all of the above results, is comfortable to the wearer during treatment and most economical in manufacture. Also, my object is to provide for ease of securing the device to a lock of hair and then to have the lock enclosed in an aperture of the winding element so that all strands of the lock of hair are fully and uniformly engaged with a molding and flattening resilient force which produces a uniform annular ring of curl without placing the hair under undue tension-the lock of hair in the meantime being unescapably confined (without being held by the operator) within the aperture which presents a confining wall on all sides to the lock being curled. The material of which said winding element is constructed is of resilient material, such for illustration and not limitation, as plastic.

Also a primary and fundamental object of my invention is to provide a winding element which is split its entire length and preferably has the edges of the split part disposed in overlapping relation which provides for the hair to be molded and formed into curls upon relatively moving parts and, when formed, then to be deposited upon the relatively non-moving shank of the curler.

Also my primary purpose is to provide a curling device of a character which will permit the same to be employed in providing home permanent waves, that is, to be applied by the user on her own hair at home as well as to be used in the giving of a permanent wave by an expert in a beauty parlor. In providing a device meeting the above requirements, consideration must be given to the space for the hair and room for the next adjacent curler device. In a summary manner and therefore incompletely stated, the invention resides in providing a curler having a slidable winding member mounted on a shank member which has one end portion of a form which aids in gathering together the hair in forming a lock or strand to be curled and also functions to pry against the head in preventing the curled hair from uncurling or unwinding after the same has been wound upon the shank of the curler.

Furthermore, the invention resides in the providing of a curler of a form which permits it to have a wide scope of application. It may be attached to the hair at any point wtihout applying to the entire length of'the hair strand. It may be applied next to the scalp or interme diate the scalp and the ends or to the end portion of the lock itself; that is, it may be desirable to apply the curler only to some intermediate portion of the length of the hair Without unwinding. The end portion forming the hook is bent sharply to form a right angle with a cut out spiral-portion which permits the sliding winding member to engage a hair lock close to the bend.

- The above mentioned general objects of my invention, together with others inherent in the same, are attained by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the same being preferred exemplary forms of the embodiment of my invention throughout which drawings like reference numerals indicate like parts:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a curler embodying my invention;

Fig. 2 is a view in perspective of the shank'member of said curler showing the end portion bent sharply to form substantially a right angle with the shank in forming a hook with a part of the hook disposed in spaced parallel relation to the rectilinear portion of the shank member;

Fig. 3 is a view in perspective of the sliding lock winding member;

Fig. 4 is a view in cross section on dotted line 4, 4 of Figure 1;

Fig. 5 is a view in cross section on dotted line 5, 5 of Figure 1;

Fig. 6 is a view in side elevation of said curler applied to a lock of hair before commencement of the winding of the lock upon the shank member;

Fig. 7 is a view of a lock of hair being wound upon said shank member;

Fig. 8 is a view in side elevation of said invention;

Fig. 9 is a view in cross section in line 9, 9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a view of said modified form in cross section on line 10, 10 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a view in side elevation of a modified form of the scalp bearing member of the shank; and

Fig. 12 is a view in side elevation of a further modified form of the scalp bearing member of the shank.

The curler has a shank 20 with its end portion bent sharply at 21 in forming substantially a right angle and then extending to form a hook 22 with the point part 23 reversed and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank. A spiral groove 24 is located in the bend portion adjacent the shank 20 to receive a lock 25 of hair. The hook 22 has two functions, one to aid in engaging and collecting a lock of hair and second to act as a prying member to bear against the head or of a modified form scalp in preventing the lock' of hair from becoming unwound after it has been wound thereon.

On shank 20 awinder member 26 is revolvably and slidably mounted. This member 26 .is split its. entire length and in the preferred form shown in Figs. 1 to 7 the lateral edges 27 and 28 of. the winder member are in overlapping relation; particularly see Figs. 3,4 and 5. The split in the winder member provides for adapting. the said member to varying sized loops of hair and yet provides for a resilient gripping of the hair in forming uniformity of curls. The overlapping of the edges 27 and "28 provides particularly for increased. resiliency and firmness of engagement of the hair and also a closed aperture 29 so that the accidental catching. of hair beneath a portion of the wall enclosing the: aperture 29 is avoided. The Winder curler memberi26 also has said aperture or opening 29 inyone end portion characterized by having enclosing walls on all sides. The forwardiwall 30 is formed by a resilient finger-like member 31, the said .wall being preferably inclined forwardly as shown. es-

pecially in Figs. 1, 3, 6 and 7. This character of wall functions most efficiently in guiding the hair in a smooth flat strand'into the aperture 29 and about the shank. 20. The resilient pressure of finger-like member 31' operates to flatten out the lock 25 while the lock is being led into the aperture 29 and prepares it for depositing upon the shank 20 in a neat uniform ring under the rear wall 32. corrugations 26a are provided to aid the turning of. the winder member 26 when the fingers of the operator are wet.

Rear end wall 33 is inclined forward to guide the hair definitely to the rear wall 32 and maintain every portion of the lock 25 within the aperture '29. In short, the moving parts of the winder curler member 26which contact, the lock 25 all function to directing the hair to uniform width of curl as. determined by the rear wall 32.

One problem is to insure. imparting. a curl to the very ends of the lock and this is done by the device embodying my invention as appears in Fig. 7'j ust enough of the ends being left to indicate that they are being wound upon the shank 20. The whole end portion. of the winder 26 opposite theaperture 29' isunder resilient pressure so that the very ends of the hair members will be curled.

The modified form of the invention, Figs. 8, 9 and 10, has the same character of shank 40 as shank 20 of the preferred form in Figs; l7. However, in this form, the winder member or curler 41 has the split 42 without the lateral edges 43 and 44 overlapping. Likewise, the fingerlike member 45 does not overlap the wall of the. aperture 46 but extends to contacting engagement, except as the same is pried away by a lock of hair of a size which forces such small degree of separation. The aperture 46 is substantially closed. The wall 47 may be inclined downward in the direction of. the. finger-like member 45 which assists in directing the lock of hair towards the rear wall 48.

In Figs. 11 and 12, modified formsofshanksJSil and 51 are illustrated as respects the scalp bearing members 52 and 53 respectively. Bearing member 52 is shown as of an L form and 53' of a Y form. However, the hook 22 form is preferred because it' functions both as a bearing member and also to collectandlhold more directly the strands of hair in forming a lock. Members 52 and 53 may also function in; collecting a lock of hair but not so completely or'efficiently as the preferred form of the hook member 22.

The mode of operation has. been set forth in connection with the description of the construction of the device. New functional relationships are established between the factors or elements of the combination which render the device particularly efficient and, usable by the inexpert as well as by. the expert. Likewise suchfactors are cooperatively functional in making it possible for the operator to give her own hair a permanent wave.

In applying the device the lock of hair'25 is gathered within the hook and then caught under the finger 31 and then pulled upwardly into the aperture 29. Then the operator may let go of the lock of hair and apply the right hand to the winder member 26 while holding the shank 20 in the left hand. In other words, the construction of the winder member is such as to permit the operator letting go ofthe lock of hair while revolving the winder member 26. Having the aperture entirely enclosed makes possible the letting go.- of'thelock of hair without fear of its escaping from. the enclosure. The construction of the surrounding walls of the aperture causes the lock of hair. to alwaysvbe. led to the back wall 32 in being wound in a uniformly flat strand as it were about the shank 20. The finger 31 preferably must be as narrow as possible in order that the first wrap of curl may be as near the right angle bend,21 of the shank as possible. In Fig. 8' the finger member, is even narrower in width thanthat shown in- Figure 1 as finger 31.

Another function of the split character of the winder member is that it provides. a resilient holding on the lock of hair so that the member is held in position without unwinding even if it is desired to let go of the winder member to use the hand in, adjusting the lock if necessary. In operating the winder member, 26 there may be a providing of overlapping of one curl upon the other and this may be such degree of overlap as the texture of the hair may dictate. Ordinarily from to overlap will be found sufiieient.

I claim:

1. A hair curler device comprising a shank having a hair engaging end portion bent back in spaced parallel relation to the shank in. forming a hook which bears against the scalp a substantial distance away from said shank when in applied position in preventing the shank from turning upon its longitudinal axis; and a slidable, revolvable winding member mounted upon said shank in providing a winding memberwhich winds the hair upon the stationaryshankas a base.

2. In a hair curler device, a straight shank having a hair engaging end portion bent in laterally spaced relation to the shank in forming a hook which bears against the scalp a substantial distance away from said shank when in applied position in preventing the shank from turning upon its longitudinal axis.

3. A hair curler device comprising a shank having a hair engaging end portion bent at substantially a right angle to the shank longitudinal axis and continuing back in spaced parallel relation to the shank in forming a hook which has a spiral groove in said right angle bend portion; and a slidable, revolvable winding member mounted upon said shank-in providing a winding member which winds the hair upon the stationary shank as a base.

4. In a hair curler device, a shank having a hair engaging end portion bent atsubstantially aright angle to the shank longitudinal axis and continuing back in spaced parallel relation to the shank in forming a hook which has a spiral groove in said right angle bend portion in providing means for guiding the hair and assisting in anchoring the first winding close to the head.

5. A hair curler device comprising a shank having a hair engaging end portion bent in laterally spaced relation to the shank in forming a hook which bears against the scalp a substantial distance away from said. shank when in applied position in preventing the shank from turning upon its longitudinal axis; and a radially resiliently expandable, revolvable and slidable winding member mounted upon said shank in providing a winding member which winds the hair upon the stationary shank as a base and holdingly maintains the tension on the wound hair continuously as the winding proceeds and having a normally closed hair receiving aperture.

6. A hair curler device comprising, a shank having a hair engaging end portion bent at substantially a right angle to the shank longitudinal axis and continuing back in spaced parallel relation to the shank in forming a hook which has a spiral groove in said right angle bend portion; and a radially resiliently expandable, revolvable and slidable Winding member mounted upon said shank in providing a Winding member which winds the hair upon the stationary shank as a base and holdingly maintains the tension on the wound hair continuously as the winding proceeds.

7. In a hair curler, a longitudinally split winding memher having a side aperture adjacent one end thereof wholly surrounded by overlapping Walls, the front wall of which is resiliently held in closed position.

8. In a hair curler, a radially resiliently expandable, revolvable winder member split its entire length and with the split edges in part disposed in overlapping relation, one of such overlapping edges standing outwardly to selectively receive and yieldingly pass a shock of hair applied thereto.

9. A hair curler device comprising a shank with its end portion bent back upon itself to form an open hook disposable against the head in applied position whereby the shaft is prevented from turning on its longitudinal axis; and a slidable member mounted on said shank, said member being split along its length and having an opening intermediate its ends, which opening is closed on one end by a finger-like member resiliently and disengageably bearing on the opposite Wall of the opening and having its point turned out from the axis of the device, such longitudinal split construction enabling resilient radial expansion of said member when a shock of hair is wrapped about said shank.

10. A device of the character described having a shank member with a scalp bearing member at the scalp engaging end thereof preventing turning of the shank and a slidable curler winding member radially expandable and slidably mounted thereon in providing a winding member which winds the hair upon the stationary shank and holdingly maintains the tension on the wound hair continuously as the winding proceeds.

gaging end portion bent at substantially a right angle to the shank longitudinal axis, which shank has a spiral groove in the angle bend portion thereof in providing means for guiding the hair and assisting in anchoring the first winding of the hair close to the head.

12. In a hair curler device, a shank having a hair engaging end portion providing a scalp bearing member of a length and disposed at an angle to the axis of the main shank shaft which effectively prevents said main shank shaft from turning when a lock of hair is wound thereon, said shank having a spiral groove in the angled portion thereof in providing means for guiding the hair and assisting in anchoring the first winding of hair close to the head.

13. A hair curler device according to claim 12, wherein said end portion providing a scalp bearing member is in the shape of a return bend.

14. A hair curler device according to claim 12, wherein said end portion providing a scalp bearing member is L-shaped.

15. A hair curler device according to claim 12, wherein said end portion providing a scalp bearing member is Y-shaped.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 476,824 Scelley June 14, 1892 1,661,747 Capdevila Mar. 6, 1928 1,687,659 Coune Oct. 16, 1928 1,814,116 Borden July 14, 1931 1,827,785 Frederics Oct. 20, 1931 1,842,408 Keele Ian. 26, 1932 1,901,430 Bjorkman Mar. 14, 1933 1,905,373 Duraney Apr. 25, 1933 FOREIGN PATENTS 755,608 France Nov. 28, 1933 416,888 Great Britain Sept. 24, 1934 442,220 Great Britain Jan. 30, 1936 

